13: Oakland Raiders (Home)

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

When: Week 3, Mon., Sept. 23 at 6:40 p.m. MT.

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High

Network: ESPN (Monday Night Football)

Last season, the Broncos beat up the Raiders 26-13 late in the season on Thursday Night Football. Apparently that's good enough for prime time, as the league has again given the division foes another prime-time game.

Maybe the Raiders will make it interesting this year. We're not holding our breath.

7: San Diego Chargers (Road)

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

When: Week 10, Sun., Nov. 10 at 1:25 p.m. PST.

Where: Qualcomm Stadium

Network: CBS

Everybody remembers the comeback, but the Chargers did build a 24-0 lead the last time the Broncos played in San Diego. If they can build a lead again (and actually hold onto it), this game could turn out to be another thriller.

6: Kansas City Chiefs (Road)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

When: Week 13, Sun., Dec. 1 at 12 p.m. CST.

Where: Arrowhead Stadium

Network: CBS

It may seem surprising to see this game ranked so high, but Denver is 17-24 all-time at Arrowhead, one of the toughest stadiums in the NFL. The Broncos were blowing teams away in the second half of last season; they barely squeaked by the Chiefs 17-9 on the road.

That's just one touchdown and a two-point conversion. And Brady Quinn was K.C.'s starting QB.

This year, Alex Smith will be leading the Chiefs offense, making them a tougher challenge.